Research Associate

Department: School of Physics, Engineering and Technology

Hours of work: Full time (37 hours per week)

Contract type: Fixed term for 18 months with the possibility of extension

Salary: £36,924 - £45,163 per year

Grade: 6 Ref: 210

Introduction
The School of Physics, Engineering and Technology brings physicists and engineers together to push the frontiers
of knowledge, foster innovation and meet the grand challenges facing society. Our aim is to deliver world-leading
research in both fundamental and applied areas whilst developing new technologies that work for the public
good, in an environment where everyone can thrive.

As a School, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to our culture and we strive to provide a working
environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We aim to ensure
that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture at all levels and across all staff groups and offer a range of
family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, campus
facilities and services to support staff from different backgrounds. We are proud to hold Juno Champion and
Athena Swan silver awards, which recognise our commitment to creating an equitable and fully inclusive
environment in which staff and students can thrive. We aim to inspire young people to engage with science and
engineering through our outreach work.

A fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available within the group of Dr Stefanos Paschalis in
the Nuclear Physics Group at University of York to work on the Target Recoil Tracker (TRT) detector of the R3B
experiment at GSI/FAIR facility in Germany; the R3B collaboration consists of more than 200 scientists from over
20 different countries. The R3B TRT is a state-of-the-art device that employs the ultrathin silicon-based MAPS
(Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors) ALPIDE sensors, developed by the ALICE collaboration. The TRT offers
unprecedented tracking resolution in a compact configuration and aims to enable new and precision
measurements at the frontier of nuclear science exploiting quasi-free scattering reactions with relativistic
radioactive ions at GSI/FAIR.

The successful candidate will have a strong interest in ionising radiation detector technology and experimental
nuclear physics research. This post will play a key role in the construction of the R3B TRT device, which is led by
the University of York and Daresbury laboratory in the UK in collaboration with our international partners. The
work requires oversight of the assembly and characterisation of the detector modules, software development
for data analysis, simulation and data acquisition, documentation for the assembly, characterisation and
operation phases. The work also requires supporting in-beam commissioning and physics experiments at R3B.
Both the assembly/characterisation phase and the in-beam experiments require extended stays at facilities away
from York. This is an exciting post where the PDRA will have the opportunity to lead the developments towards
the realisation of this state-of-the-art device and participate in one of Europe’s largest nuclear physics
collaborations.

Main purpose of the role

● To conduct research under the supervision of senior colleagues and to contribute to the production of
research.
● To assist in the identification and development of potential areas of research and the development of
proposals for independent or collaborative research projects.

Key responsibilities
(Role holders will be required to undertake some or all of the duties below)
 ● To conduct individual and collaborative research projects, duties to include: analysis and
interpretation of research data; use of appropriate research techniques and methods; writing up of
research results and dissemination through publications, seminar and conference presentations and
public engagement and outreach activities; contributing to the identification of possible new areas of
research.
● To contribute to the preparation of research proposals and applications to external bodies.
● To undertake appropriate organisational and administrative activities connected to the research
project, including conference organisation, and the development of promotional or educational
material including website maintenance and development.
● To develop and initiate collaborative working internally and externally, duties to include: the building
of internal contacts and participation in internal networks; collaboration with colleagues on joint
projects as required; participation in and identification of external networks in order to share
information and identify potential opportunities for collaboration and possible sources of funding;
attendance at and contribution to relevant meetings.
● To provide guidance to other staff and students, as required, as well as coordinating the work of small
research teams.
● To assist with undergraduate teaching in own area of expertise.
● All staff have a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others, and the
environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff are therefore required to
adhere to the University’s Health, Safety & Emergency Procedures.

The above list of duties is not exhaustive and is subject to change. The post holder may be required to
undertake other duties within the scope and grading of the post.
Person specification

Essential
/
Desirable

Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in Physics Essential

PhD in Experimental Nuclear or Particle Physics or equivalent experience Essential

Knowledge

Knowledge in Nuclear or Particle Physics to engage in high quality research Essential

Knowledge of a range of research techniques and methodologies Essential

Has research expertise in an area that will complement and enhance the department's Essential
research strategy and goals

Proficiency in data analysis of nuclear or particle physics experiments Essential

Experience with Monte-Carlo simulations, such as GEANT4 Desirable

Hands-on experience with detection systems for Nuclear or Particle Physics experiments Essential

Skills, abilities and competencies

Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide-ranging audience, Essential
both orally and in writing, using a range of media

Ability to write up research work for publication in high profile journals and engage in public Essential
dissemination

Ability to develop research objectives, projects and proposals for own and joint research, Essential
with the assistance of a mentor if required

Competency to conduct individual and collaborative research projects Essential

Ability to identify sources of funding and contribute to the process of securing funds, with Essential
collaborators if required

Competency to make presentations at conferences or exhibit work in other appropriate Essential

events

Experience

Experience of carrying out both independent and collaborative research Essential

Experience of writing up research work for publication Essential

Ability to work as part of a team and also to work independently using own initiative Essential

Personal attributes

Attention to detail and commitment to high quality Essential

Collaborative ethos Essential

Interest in and enthusiasm for the subject matter of the project(s) Essential

Positive attitude to colleagues and students Essential

Willingness to work proactively with colleagues in other work areas/institutions Essential

Ability to plan and prioritise own work in order to meet deadlines, including using initiative to Essential
plan research programmes

Commitment to personal development and updating of knowledge and skills Essential